The Renault Kwid – one of Renault’s most successful models in the Indian market - has been awarded a one-star Global NCAP crash test rating despite being tested under NCAP's two-tier testing system as the safest model in the range.

Renault applied a series of improvements to the Kwid since it was initially tested, when it scored a zero-star rating from NCAP. It has since submitted the version with the highest level of safety for testing, and despite the changes, it still only scored one star.

To achieve a two-star rating in Europe, the Kwid would have had to have displayed “Nominal crash protection”, although it would still be void of any crash avoidance technology, such as automatic emergency braking.

Under the same two-level testing procedure in Europe, Global NCAP first tests a car in base spec, without the addition of any optional safety equipment, then tests it in its safest possible form.

Global NCAP technical director, Alejandro Furas, said: "Often we only test the basic model, as there is no guarantee that safety options will be bought.

In this case we wanted to demonstrate that even if manufacturers claimed that the consumer could purchase safety features, such as airbags, this would only raise the level slightly. Fundamental work needs to be done to improve the car’s safety."

"Legally it just meets the minimum UN regulations. However, in our 64kmh (40mph) test, which is a realistic, real life scenario speed, it fails. Renault would never sell a car like this in Europe or North America, and knows how to affordably make it safe."

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"It would cost very little to make the car safe. Work does need to be done to the frame which would not be costly. As an example, a double airbag plus sensors and control unit would not cost more than $150 (around £115)."

Furas explained Toyota's position as a safety leader in India, and pointed out that Hondaa's car performed better in the second test. Furas also told Autocar: "They could make the car safe and still make a profit, they do in other markets. It would reduce the profit, but as you have seen from above question, not to a level to that requires costs to be passed to the consumer through a price increase."

"This is the fourth version of the Kwid. Our goal is to inform consumers and to make manufacturers address safety. NCAPs in other markets have had an important role in influencing the safety of the vehicle fleet. This will be the same in India."

The Honda Mobilio was also tested under the two-level system, and initially scored zero stars for adult protection, but once it had been fitted with double airbags, it scored three stars in the same category.

NCAP explained the Kwid’s low safety rating, saying that the basic version of the car scored zero stars for adult protection, and two for children inside the vehicle. In spite of the top safety-spec Kwid’s driver’s airbag and seatbelt pretensioner, a high level of chest deflection still occurred in a crash; which could cause rib fractures, damage to the heart or internal bleeding.

In reaction to the Kwid’s scores, NCAP’s secretary general, David Ward, said: “Renault has made limited progress, it should be offering their one-star car as the standard version not an option.

"Honda, too, has shown that with two airbags its car can achieve three stars. These safety systems should not be options."

“Renault and Honda make safe cars in other markets, they have the know-how to make all their Indian cars much safer. We expect them to start doing so now.”

Renault released the following statement in response to Global NCAP’s findings: “Renault Kwid fully complies with regulations in India. With regard to all of its models around the world, Groupe Renault pays particular attention to the safety of its customers and improves its vehicles throughout their lifecycle.

“Renault is optimising the safety of its vehicles and has announced that a Kwid was released from 9 May in India, after the crash tests done by GNCAP, with higher results expected in terms of safety.”

Some people seem to find this acceptable, as if they are only Indians, they don't matter as much as we do. Other Renault small cars have scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP testing. It is reprehensible that they, other manufacturers and the Indian government, find it acceptable to sell such cars.

Some people seem to find this acceptable, as if they are only Indians, they don't matter as much as we do. Other Renault small cars have scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP testing. It is reprehensible that they, other manufacturers and the Indian government, find it acceptable to sell such cars.

It's not only some people here but Indians in India can tell you a life in India is not worth much. With a population of some 1,3-1,7 billions, life is not as precious. People die in big numbers left and right from poverty and many many many other reasons. But population still keep rising.

Go out in a small back alley, any time of the day, and you're surrounded by a million people. That is why when an Indian manages to get out of the country, they will NEVER move back. It's a hell even for them. It's almost the same in China.

Some people seem to find this acceptable, as if they are only Indians, they don't matter as much as we do. Other Renault small cars have scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP testing. It is reprehensible that they, other manufacturers and the Indian government, find it acceptable to sell such cars.

This. Some of the other views in this thread are pretty disturbing/offensive.

Some people seem to find this acceptable, as if they are only Indians, they don't matter as much as we do. Other Renault small cars have scored 5 stars in Euro NCAP testing. It is reprehensible that they, other manufacturers and the Indian government, find it acceptable to sell such cars.

This. Some of the other views in this thread are pretty disturbing/offensive.

But a super mini weighting around 670kr. must clearly be constructed in manner that makes important sacrifices when it comes to structural strength. But it more or less does weigh the same as a 1980's Daihatsu Charade. So can be expected to have close to similar structural strength! Mind 80's Charades were effectively death traps on wheels. However no worse than tended to be the case with superminis in that decade.

People here that are caught using mobiles whilst driving should be made to trade in their cars for one of these. At least they are more likely to come off worse than the innocent others when they cause a crash.